Ruth Alice Jorgensen

Ruth, born in Stuttgart, Germany, lived there until her marriage and moved to the United States in 1954. She had met her husband as he served as a translator in Germany during the Korean War. He was born in the U.S. and lived in both this country and Denmark.

The couple soon had three children under the age of five. The first two,Peter and Erik, were born in Maddison, WI. The third their daughter Annette, was born after their move to CA in 1959. Once Annette was in high school, they began there their business, Conejo Industries, making high-tech metal parts for the computer industry. Ruth had completed gymnasium (high school) in Germany, then had trained as a seamstress- a highly skilled one. She was a tireless independent learner, acquiring the education she needed to run the company on her own while her husband handled the creative side. Ruth handled all finances and tenant relations and created an environment where her husband focused on improving the companies products. Canejo Industries was employee oriented, helping employees with personal loans (which were repaid) and education. Upon retirement, they moved into a villa at University Village as "originals" loving the surroundings and life at UVTO.

Ruth passed on to her children and grandchildren a strong work ethic and deep family loyalty. The family spent all their holidays together, including the recent Christmas holidays, and the grandchildren, Austin and Lauren, visited their grandmother every other week. Ruth and her daughter made German and Danish cookies every Christmas and shared them widely in the family. They traveled extensively to many different countries and had a good life.

Annette recalls a strong, stubborn mother who got things done and modeled a strong work ethic. Ruth taught by doing more than telling. She was also compassionate and warm, leading to her having many visitors when she entered Oakview. Ruth especially enjoyed the company (and the coffee) of Carmen, her assistant and aide at the villa, and Carmen was among her Oakview visitors. Up until the end, Ruth paid the bills, dressed well, and even asked for her skin cream two days before she died. She loved hummingbirds, German music, her dogs, sewing and reading, her villa home, spending time with family and her 69-year marriage with Erik.

A graveside service for Ruth will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory, 5600 Lindero Canyon Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91362.